Work hard, play hard

Today our Ridge team had its hardest work day yet. The team moved more posts (6 people per post!), mixed concrete, filled holes - all with the sun beating down. Jeremy and Dago initially went to get supplies, while Phil and Ryan led our team in the construction. It is obvious that we have gelled well together as it was quickly apparent what needed to get done and everyone fell into a role of some kind. We had a good rhythm and got a great deal accomplished. Manuel and Alex were around to help and while there is a language barrier, we have all become friends so there is understanding and even laughter at times. Tomorrow we will finish cementing the remaining posts and put up the chain link. Today was a tough day and I pray that the Lord gives us all strength to make it through one more work day. I also hope that tomorrow I can announce that the fence is complete!!

This morning two of our team members - myself and Shauna - had the opportunity to go into town and read to three of the classes at the bilingual school that Vanessa and Lisbeth attend. We read stories in English to the kindergarten, third, and fourth grade classes. The younger children do not understand much English yet, but the older kids were engaged and were so much fun to interact with. They loved our stories and laughed about one that involved snow. As you can imagine, this was a completely foreign concept!

After lunch, we once again helped with the feeding program. The kids were very excited because they knew that after lunch, we were all piling on the bus to go to the water park. That's right - 63 kids, 15 adults, and one yellow school bus. When we arrived, we had the water park to ourselves for the most part which was a dream come true for the children. Many only get the chance to go once a year, if that, so this was incredible for them. It gave our team a chance to play and have fun while loving on these kids who live in such poverty. Not that they do not get love at home, but it was nice to spoil them a little! We did have one child with an injury, but otherwise made it through the day joyful.

So here we are... sunburned, tired, and living His word. Praise be to Him for giving us such a fantastic day! We worked hard, played hard, and will all likely sleep hard tonight!

Miranda G.